Museo minerario miniera di Gambatesa

About the museum

The Gambatesa mine dates back to 1876, when the first prospecting permit for manganese was granted in the lands of the Val Graveglia. For a long time it was the largest manganese mine in Europe, and it remained in operation until 2011, passing between several concession holders. At the end of the 1990s a tourist route was launched which, for almost fifteen years, ran alongside extraction and made Gambatesa one of the most important attractions in eastern Liguria.

After mining ceased, the mine was reopened to visitors by the Parco dell’Aveto, the owner of the site, with a new opening on 9 December 2016. The visit allowed guests to enter on the old miners’ train and to walk, with guides, through the galleries in their original state, in a damp and dimly lit environment. The underground network exceeds 25 kilometres across seven main levels; the Lente Nord mining void, about 220 × 50 × 40 metres, is the largest manganese mining void in Europe.

At present the museum is closed: the works to extend the route have been completed and the outcome of the tender for the management is awaited.

Highlights

• Entry into the mine on the original miners’ train
• Galleries over 25 km long on seven levels
• The largest manganese mining void in Europe
• Surroundings preserved as they were on the last day of mining

Permanent exhibition

• Percorso nella miniera – Guided visit through the galleries on the miners’ train and on foot between levels, with timber supports and wagons left as they were on the last working day (currently suspended).

Operated by

Ente Parco dell’Aveto (proprietario)

Visitors per year

approx. 8,000

Admission & discounts

The museum is temporarily closed; reopening depends on the outcome of the management tender.

Accessibility

The museum is temporarily closed; reopening depends on the outcome of the management tender.

Kids & families

The museum is temporarily closed; reopening depends on the outcome of the management tender.

Getting there & parking

By car from the Lavagna motorway exit: SP33 towards Carasco, then SP26 for Ne and the Val Graveglia as far as Conscenti; continue on the SP26 towards Botasi, Reppia and Arzeno and finally, on the left, 1.9 km to the museum car park (about 19 km, under 30 minutes). Access is also possible by coach up to 12 m long. For public transport, see the ATP website.

Amenities & dining

The museum is temporarily closed; reopening depends on the outcome of the management tender.

Events & venue rental

The museum is temporarily closed; reopening depends on the outcome of the management tender.

Plan your visit